Arua MP Seeks EALA’s Intervention in Cross-Border Tariffs and Security
Arua Central Division City Member of Parliament, Jackson Atima Buti Lee, has submitted a petition to the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Joseph Ntakirutimana, urging the East African Community (EAC) to address obstacles impacting cross-border trade among Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan.
The petition highlights critical issues hindering trade, such as the need for improved infrastructure in high-traffic border areas, particularly roads linking Uganda with the DRC and South Sudan. Lee also called for harmonized telecommunication networks to reduce the high cost of cross-border communication, especially between Uganda and the DRC. “When you’re in Congo, the cost of calling Uganda and other regions is prohibitively high,” he noted.
Atima also raised concerns about the issue of multiple taxation, where traders face repeated tax payments at various points, leading to increased costs.
“You pay taxes at one checkpoint, but when you reach the next, you’re told the document is invalid, and you have to pay again,” Lee explained, urging EALA to implement policies to prevent such duplications.
Beyond trade, the MP appealed for stronger security collaboration to address issues of law enforcement, especially at border points, where traders often face harassment and extortion. He emphasized the importance of upholding the EAC protocols on the free movement of goods and services, noting that some member countries are not fully honoring this agreement and are even asking for visas from citizens, contrary to the regional commitment.
As a representative of the business community, Lee said he frequently gathers feedback from locals, national leaders, and traders who struggle with issues like border tariffs, security challenges, and visa requirements. “The business community faces numerous obstacles, including tariffs, safety concerns, and unnecessary visa demands,” he remarked.
Uganda’s EALA representative, Hon. Jacklyn Amongin, accompanied Lee during the petition submission. She noted the timeliness of the petition, especially for members based in the Kampala area, adding that Lee, as a leader from West Nile—a region bordering both the DRC and South Sudan—has firsthand insight into these cross-border issues.
The EALA Speaker assured Lee that the petition would be reviewed by the relevant committee for further consideration.
